A historic space mission is set to take flight, one that embodies the spirit of International Women’s Day in the most extraordinary way. Pop sensation Katy Perry has been officially confirmed as part of an all-female crew preparing to launch aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. Slated for liftoff this spring, the mission will mark a groundbreaking milestone, the first all-women spaceflight since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova’s legendary journey in 1963.
Perry will be joined by a team of trailblazing professionals, including Aisha Bowe, CEO of STEMBoard and a former NASA rocket scientist; award-winning film producer Kerianne Flynn; CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King; bioastronautics research scientist Amanda Nguyen; and mission leader Lauren Sánchez. Together, they represent a diverse and dynamic group of women pushing the boundaries of science, media, and space exploration.
A Mission to Inspire Future Generations
Timed perfectly in the wake of Women’s Day celebrations, this mission carries a powerful message of empowerment. According to Blue Origin, the flight aims to encourage young women to pursue careers in STEM and space exploration. Sánchez, a former journalist and longtime advocate for women in aerospace, has expressed her hopes that this mission will inspire the next generation to reach for the stars. Perry’s involvement adds a deeply personal touch, as reports indicate she hopes to inspire her daughter and young dreamers to embrace curiosity and exploration.
A Thrilling Ride Beyond the Kármán Line
New Shepard, Blue Origin’s fully reusable suborbital rocket, will propel the crew beyond the Kármán line, 100 kilometers above Earth, offering a breathtaking experience of microgravity before their return. The autonomous spacecraft, requiring no pilots, has previously carried notable figures such as Star Trek’s William Shatner and former NFL player Michael Strahan.
Building on Blue Origin’s Space Tourism Legacy
This historic flight, designated NS-31, follows the recent NS-30 mission, which saw a mix of entrepreneurs and media personalities venture beyond Earth. As Blue Origin continues its journey in commercial space travel, this all-female mission stands as a testament to the ever-growing role of women in shaping the future of space exploration.